During Adin Ross' boxing match, an kiss-cam instance between rapper Ice Spice and NFL corner man Sauce Gardner flashed on camera and went around on social media shortly afterward. Nobody anticipated anything in response from Ice Spice or the corner man other than something cheeky or carefree.
Ice Spice and Corner Man remained in place, merely smiled, and did not budge to pretend something special was going on between them. Although the exchange was quick and seemed to be something of a throwaway, it was the focus of much discussion on social media.
After the incident, the internet was abuzz with reactions. One user commented,
"So apparently they’re not dating then"
The absence of physical reaction from the two was taken by many to be a subtle but definitive sign that they were not dating. Although neither person has issued any official comment, the reaction of the public is such that this was perceived as a public indicator—intentional or otherwise—that they are not dating.
Social media reactions to the kiss cam video
The internet reacted quickly to the video from the boxing match. People on all platforms, such as X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram weighed in, and frequently they did so using memes and humor to say their say about what it all meant.
A user commented, "why do people want to see them kiss? it wasn’t too long ago that couples showed little to no intimacy at all in public. good for them not allowing their values to be swayed"
"Dana White calling out Ice Spice and Sauce Gardner on the kiss cam is pure chaos Brand Risk events are always a wild ride!" said yet another
Others called the moment awkward but revealing, and still others joked that there was no better opportunity lost for drama or spectacle.
Another user ommented "I lowkey respect them for not caving into the Kiss Cam pressure"
A few ventured the guess that the exchange might have been pre-agreed to keep out of the headlines, and others simply deduced that the two are buddies and nothing else. Whatever the interpretation, the public reaction was ubiquitous and monochromatic in tone—surprised but not shocked.
What fuelled the rumors of dating?
There were reports last year of an alleged romantic involvement between Ice Spice and Sauce Gardner, after a series of public appearances by the two at A-list events, where they seemed to be sharing a close camaraderie. Images of the two posing side by side as they were being photographed and spied in exclusive social circles incited gossips online.
Even though neither party has affirmed nor denied it, fans continued piecing together pieces of moments from interviews, events, and social media behavior. This rumor was further propelled by the couple attending activities such as courtside games and music industry parties.
Despite the ongoing gossip, both Gardner and Ice Spice have kept their personal lives private, giving no public statement about the rumored dating.
The impact of nonverbal moments in the public eye
In an online world where short interactions are regularly scrutinized, the lack of interaction between Ice Spice and Sauce Gardner became the focus. Public figures are put under the microscope, and even the slightest gesture can be employed to craft broader narratives.
As a user said, "Guess the kiss cam isn’t for everyone—Dana out here acting like he’s Cupid with a UFC contract. Let people vibe how they want, no forced chemistry needed!"
Another said, "They are pretty private so. And she probably doesn’t want to lose her male audience too tbh"
Here, a couple of seconds of distance and silence formed the premise for public assumption.
The moment brings home the burden placed upon body language and public behavior, particularly at times of heightened visibility. Though the clip didn't affirm or refute anything, the audience's interpretation rested on the likelihood of shared understanding—that no matter what form their relationship was in, it wasn't romantic.
To date, neither Ice Spice nor Sauce Gardner has made any statement about the viral moment. The exchange during the kiss cam could have been simply a courteous denial or a calculated choice to refrain from contributing to public speculation. Without additional context or comment from either side, the incident remains a single moment subject to interpretation.
Whether colleagues, acquaintances, or they merely sat next to one another, the inference for most was encapsulated in one highly reposted sentiment: "So apparently they're not dating then."
Also read: "Ice Gardner": Fans react hilariously as Ice Spice and Sauce Gardner gets spotted together